Life Skills

When people in recovery begin to rebuild and structure their lives after tearing it apart through addiction, they will often need help with everyday tasks that others might take for granted. Learning how to progress in the world without the use of drugs or alcohol is a difficult task for those in recovery, so the strategies and techniques used to manage life that were learned while in treatment must last them long after they leave the facility.

Rebuilding life after addiction involves the use of tools and acquiring a “new normal” that is a polar opposite of what they were previously accustomed to. This individual should find and practice new essential life skills that can help them regain control over their personal world after they leave treatment.

One of the more important life skills to practice is to develop a daily routine (one that isn’t waking up in the morning to score booze or drugs). Individuals that are in recovery must learn how to establish a daily routine early in their recovery so that by doing so, this means the difference between staying away from drugs and using them again. Completing certain scheduled tasks each day provides familiarity and structure to keep that individual moving forward in sobriety. This routine should ideally be as simple as possible, such as planning for 12-Step meetings, doing a chore around the house each day, practicing relationships with those close to them, etc.

It’s also important to practice self-care. In the past, a great deal of time went into drugs and alcohol. So much so, that it’s possible this individual has forgotten how to care for themselves in the most basic of ways, such as showering each day, brushing your teeth and eating regularly. Personal hygiene and dieting should be practiced on a daily basis and incorporated with their new daily routine.

We live in stressful times and for an addict that has associated stress with alcohol and drugs, it’s important to keep these stressful emotions in check as well. Recognizing stress as a trigger is a critical skill for people in addiction recovery. It can easily stir up memories of active addiction and lead to a relapse that jeopardizes any progress that has been made in living a sober life. There are many ways to keep stress minimal or at least in control. If feeling stressed, it might be best to take a breather and go for a walk or run, watch a movie or listen to music. If angry, consider practicing meditation or some other activity that promotes a calm sense of being. Checking in with yourself each day to gauge what needs to be done in order to alleviate stress and stressful situations is crucial.

Any Lengths Retreat is an all men treatment center that utilizes the 12-step program in order to stay sober and treat addiction with an optimal method of recovery. We believe that working a solid 12-step program is the solution to recovery and to live a life of sobriety. Sober living options are also a large focal point of Any Lengths where men are able to link together, hold each other accountable and further grow in their new life of spirituality and sobriety while learning new life skills that can be applied in everyday life.

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Any Length Retreat is located just outside Austin, TX on a 5 acre ranch. Any Length Sober Living is centrally located in Austin,
Texas and only minutes away from downtown and the University of Texas. Call us to find out more and tell us your story.